News

Three Emporia State University graduates will receive Distinguished Alumni awards at the Black & Gold Gala on Oct. 23 during Homecoming 2026. The award is the highest honor bestowed on ESU alumni and recognizes outstanding accomplishments in their careers.

Two families with their own deep connections to Emporia State University — brought together through marriage and united by generations of Hornet experiences — have been selected as the 2026 Hornet Heritage Family.

The third and final production of the 2026 Emporia State Summer Theatre season features a musical who cast is area elementary- and middle-school students.

Congratulations to ESU photographer Jordan Storrer for earning first place in the University Photographers’ Association of America’s Monthly Image Competition for March 2026.

Emporia State University has announced three distinguished recipients of the 2025 University Service Citation Award — Dave Bingham, Joyce French, and Josiah D’Albini — in recognition of their significant and sustained service to the university.

Emporia State University will welcome retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Fran Oleen, district director of the U.S. House of Representatives, to campus on Nov. 15 for Salute to Service 2025, the university’s annual recognition of U.S. military veterans and those who generously volunteer their time to ESU.

Emporia State University proudly honored President Ken Hush with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Black & Gold Gala last Friday evening, recognizing his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to STUDENTS.

Seven impactful advocates for Emporia State University will be honored with presidential awards during the 2025 Black & Gold Gala on Oct. 31, a highlight of Homecoming week. The awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication have made a significant impact on the university and the broader community.

Dr. Muhammad Nashatizadeh’s approach to leadership is a simple approach: listen carefully, study the details and guide others toward clarity. During Homecoming week, he will share how insights from neurology can help build a meaningful life with Emporia State students and the community as he delivers the 2025 Sam and Jeannene Hayes Lecture.

Five outstanding Emporia State University graduates will be honored with the university’s highest alumni recognition — the Distinguished Alumni Award — during the Black & Gold Gala on Oct. 31, part of ESU’s Homecoming 2025 celebration. The award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their careers and meaningful service to their professions, communities and alma mater.